Briefs
ISOLA: LONG BATTLE
NATIONAL: Over 120 guests piled into an exclusive mansion in Sydney late last month for the launch of Isola by Megan Gale. Some 40 looks were revealed from the new swimwear line, which is a collaborative venture between the celebrity model and swim giant Seafolly. The high-profile launch comes as the two parties prepare for a long and bitter trademark dispute with boutique resortwear brand Issla. As exclusively reported in previous editions of Ragtrader, Issla has formally opposed the new venture on grounds of similarity. A hearing date for the case has yet to be set, with both parties still standing by their right to use their respective trading names.
LATE HOUR VICTORY
PERTH: Retail trading hours in Perth are set to fall in line with those in other major Australian cities after the West Australian government and opposition reached a new agreement on the issue. Both parties agreed all retail shops and supermarket chains will be able to remain open until 9pm on weeknights while shops selling ‘durable consumer goods’ will also be able to trade on Sundays. The agreement comes nearly a year after the opposition leader, Labor’s Eric Ripper, rejected the Liberal Party’s attempts to implement trading hour changes.
ETHICAL WINTER WOOlIES
MELBOURNE: Otto & Spike is the latest to earn accreditation from Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA). The family-owned business specialises in knitted winter accessories such as scarves, beanies and gloves and has been in operation for 40 years. ECA ensures ethical rates and working conditions for Australian workers.
THE RESULTS ARE IN
NATIONAL: The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed clothing, footwear and accessories was the top performing category in retail sales during May. The category recorded a sales increase of 1.7 per cent and was the key driver of an overall 0.2 per cent lift in retail sales during the period. However, Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmermann labelled the 0.2 per cent rise “depressing”. “May 2010 retail sales are only up 1.2 percent compared to the same time last year,” he said. “This is not real growth – it is well below the current rate of inflation.”